Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Dunes on NC 12 in June 2007
Map showing the location of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Map showing the location of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Map of the United States
Map showing the location of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Map showing the location of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge (North Carolina)
LocationDare County, North Carolina, United States
Nearest cityNags Head, North Carolina
Coordinates35°43′N 75°30′W / 35.717°N 75.500°W / 35.717; -75.500
Area31,534 acres (127.61 km2)
Established1938
Governing bodyU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
WebsitePea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is a national wildlife refuge located on North Carolina's Pea Island, a coastal barrier island and part of a chain of islands known as the Outer Banks, adjacent to Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The sanctuary is located 10 miles (16 km) south of Nags Head, North Carolina on NC 12.

The refuge's objectives are to provide nesting, resting, and wintering habitat for migratory birds, including the greater snow geese and other migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, and neotropical migrants, as well as habitat and protection for endangered and threatened species. Objectives also include providing opportunities for public enjoyment of wildlife and wildlands resources. Public use programs focus on interpretation, environmental education, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and fishing.